Ohio's 15 State Universities formed the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (UCEAO)on April 23, 2007. Gov. Strickland, his Energy Advisor Mark Shanahan and Chancellor of Regents, Eric Fingerhut addressed the 175 in attendance where the state's 15 largest universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on clean energy research and development.Green Energy Ohio attended various sessions of the meeting and is currently working with University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University as part of the photovoltaic and wind research programs. Below are accounts of this event.

Ohio State University:

State Universities Partner for Clean Energy Initiatives

15 institutions form alliance for clean energy research and awareness

Showcasing Ohio's rich history of research and development in environment- and energy-related fields, 15 Ohio universities today (4/23) signed a memorandum of understanding that fosters an alliance between participating universities. The document represents a collective message from Ohio's outstanding universities about the importance of secure and clean energy to both the state and the nation as a whole.

Participating institutions include University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, Miami University, The Ohio State University, University of Toledo, Wright State University, University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, University of Dayton, Ohio University, Central State University, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Shawnee State University and Youngstown State University.

The signing came in the inaugural meeting of the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (UCEAO), themed "Ohio's Future in Advanced Energy." Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland delivered remarks on the importance of research and development of clean energy alternatives to the state.

Each participating university boasts notable research credentials in energy and environment which will ensure a strong foundation for the alliance. Several participating institutions utilize energy and environmental researchers representing the finest in the nation. However, over time the alliance as a whole will likely prove to be greater than the sum of its individual participants.

The scope of activities outlined in the memorandum is tremendous, according to Jeff Daniels, Ohio State University professor of earth sciences and associate dean of the College of Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

"This document addresses how Ohio's top research universities will work together in the areas of discovery, development and commercialization of energy-related technology. It also discusses development of curriculum related to energy issues, and outlines avenues for cooperation on technology transfer, outreach and partnerships with industry within the alliance," said Daniels.

University of Cincinnati

UC Signs On with the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (UCEAO) Team

Immediately following Earth Day, 15 Ohio universities recently signed a memorandum of understanding that fosters an alliance for clean energy research and awareness.

Date: 4/23/2007

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) represents a collective message from Ohio?s outstanding universities about the importance of secure and clean energy to both the state and the nation as a whole.

"The UCEAO is a major step forward toward developing newer, cleaner sources of energy for Ohio and the United States," says Paul Bishop, associate vice president for research and Herman Schneider Professor of Environmental Engineering. "UC was one of the original developers of UCEAO, which has now grown to 15 universities in Ohio. Getting 15 universities to sit down and agree to work together for a common cause is an astounding accomplishment. As Governor Strickland said, he intends to make substantial resources available to solve our energy problems. These problems are very complex, though, and will require the collaboration of researchers from various Ohio universities. We at UC have major strengths in this area and plan to be a significant component of this new endeavor."

The signing took place at the inaugural meeting of the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio. The meeting, which focused on the theme of "Ohio's Future in Advanced Energy," featured remarks by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

"We will make energy the core of an economic development strategy to attract new investments and new jobs for Ohio. And we will do it by investing in our strengths and making them even stronger," Strickland said. "This alliance represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity to coordinate and leverage university energy research in the state of Ohio."

Participating institutions:

Bowling Green State UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityCentral State UniversityCleveland State UniversityKent State UniversityMiami UniversityThe Ohio State UniversityOhio UniversityShawnee State University University of AkronUniversity of CincinnatiUniversity of DaytonUniversity of ToledoWright State UniversityYoungstown State University

"The signing of the MOU will allow the consortium to collectively seek new solutions to the energy and environment issues from Ohio's perspective," says Rakesh Govind, professor of Chemical & Materials Engineering at theUniversity of Cincinnati. "UC has a diversity of faculty who have investigated various facets of the energy and environment issue over the past two decades, who bring this wealth of experience to this consortium. This faculty stands ready to propose and develop real solutions for Ohio in conjunction with the State's industry, federal labs and other Ohioan universities."

Gov. Strickland applauded the memorandum of understanding, saying, ?To apply their attention collectively to what is both a great need and a great opportunity is something that stands to benefit not only the schools themselves, but the state of Ohio, and all Ohioans."

A Power-Full Challenge for UC Students: Build a Solar HouseUC students are energized as they work on a solar house project to include functioning, sun-powered appliances and mechanics. When completed next year, the house will be transported to Washington, D.C., in a competition amongst the world's 20 leading university design programs.